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Termite Infestation & Treatment

County Pest Control, Emmaus, PA (Lehigh Valley), stops termites dead in their tracks. Sign up for our annual termite inspection plan and treatment, and you’ll never have to worry about a termite infestation again (please inquire about our annual plans when scheduling your appointment).

Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and commercial buildings every year. Their primary food source is wood, but they may also be found in paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filters. They’re occasionally found in living trees and shrubs, but are usually present when the plant is already in decline.

While your home or building may become infested with termites at any time, they typically emerge in spring, as “swarmers” start new colonies. March through May is the typical time when termites are discovered by homeowners.

As any homeowner knows, termite control is of particluar importance, as an inspection and infestation report is normally a condition of sale. A termite infestation is also an emotionally trying experience, as one considers thousand or millions of these winged insects silently feasting on their largest investment.

But don’t confuse termites with ants, which are present at the same time of year. Termites have straight antennae, a uniform waist and wings of equal size. Ants have elbowed antennae, slender waists and forewings longer than hind wings. Termite swarmers emerging from woodpiles, tree stumps and other yard locations are not necessarily a cause for alarm, and do not mean that your house is infested.

Look for termite “swarmers” near lights, windows and doors. If they’re seen emerging from the foundation or wall, porches or patios, pest treatment by a licensed exterminator may be called for.

Indoors, look for other signs of infestation which include mud tubes running over foundation walls, support columns, sill plates, floor joists, and other parts of your home constructed of wood. Mud tubes are typically the diameter of a pencil, but may be thicker. These tubes are used by termites for shelter as they move between theri underground colonies and your home. To check if the infestation is present, break open the tubes and lok for small, creamy-white worker termites. A vacant tube does not necessarily mean that no termites are present.

If wood is damaged by termites, it’s usually hollowed out along the grain, with the tell-tale sign of bits of dried mud or soil lining the feeding galleries. Other types of insects do not cause this kind of damage. termites may also bore tiny holes through plaster or drywall, leaving buts of soil around the margin. Look for rippled or sunken areas behind wall coverings which can also indicate termites travelling beneath.

Unfortunately, termite infestations may leave no obvious traces until massive damage has ocurred, as termite feeding can progress inside of wood, while the outer surface is left intact.